Chef

Loungers plc; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips shared across team

Staff meals every shift

50% discount on food & drinks from day

Early pay via Stream

Loungefest staff party

Job summary

Loungers plc is hiring Chefs to join the Merletto Lounge kitchen. The role offers up to £12.71/hr + tips, plus breaks, staff meals, and 50% off food and drinks from day one. You’ll work with the Head Chef to deliver our all-day menu to high standards.

Ideal candidates bring a passion for quality cooking, reliability, and the ability to work well under pressure in a busy kitchen environment. Flexible hours, and opportunities for career development are available.

Qualifications

• Must have a passion for real cooking and delivering quality food.
• Reliable team player with strong communication and punctuality.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a busy kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Cook fresh food to spec from tapas to all-day lounge breakfasts.
• Support Head Chef with prep, service, and maintaining standards.
• Keep the kitchen clean, safe and prepped; follow food safety and allergen processes.

Skills

Real cooking

Quality food

Team player

Under pressure

Communication

Reliability

Job description

We’re hiring Chefs to join the kitchen team at Merletto Lounge. Part of Loungers, proudly named Casual Dining Group of the Year 2026. Offering up to £12.71/hr + tips, paid breaks, staff food every shift, and 50% off food & drinks from day one this a great next step for an experienced Chef, Chef de Partie, Line Cheff, Grill chef!

About the Role

Lounges are pretty special places, and what makes them so special is the brilliant people who work in them.

We’re looking for a Chefto join our busy, friendly, supportive, and reliable kitchen team. As part of our chef team, you’ll be all aboutdelivering our flexible all-day menu, done right, every time. Working alongside your Head Chef and team, you’ll make sure every dish hits spec, the kitchen runs smoothly, and standards stay high from prep to plate.

We’re a growing brand with 300+ sites across England and Wales. Whether you’re building a career or just want flexible work, there’s a place for you here.

What’s in it For You?

• Hourly pay + tips. Tips shared equally across the team, based on hours worked
• Hourly paid flexible contract. Ideal for part-time, full-time, or flexible work seekers. This role is likely to include evening and weekend work
• Free meal on every shift no matter the length
• Christmas and Boxing Day off
• Genuine career development with our career pathways and bitesize training courses
• 50% discount on food and drinks from day one. Including alcohol across all our brands (Lounge, Cosy Club, & Brightside) from day one
• The most talked-about staff party in hospitality — Loungefest!
• Long service awards – Vouchers/Extra money
• Early access to your pay with Stream
• Emotional and practical support via the Licensed Trade Charity

What You’ll do

• Cook fresh food to spec; from tapas dishes, to all day Lounge breakfasts
• Support the Head Chef with prep, service, and standards
• Keep the kitchen clean, safe, and fully prepped
• Follow food safety & allergen processes at all times
• Work as one team with FOH to deliver a great experience

What You’ll Bring

• A passion for real cooking and quality food
• Someone the team can count on — you show up, you're on time, and you give it everything when you're there
• Energy, pace, and a positive attitude
• Team player with good communication
• Able to work efficiently under pressure
• Experience as a Grill Chef, Line Chef or Chef de Partie in a high-volume kitchen